Mobile Home Park Water Leak Fix: Gate Valve Problem
(plumbing101.i234.me) — Managing a mobile home park means facing some unique plumbing challenges. Recently, one property manager found water bubbling up from the ground near his shop. After digging up the line, he realized an old gate valve was the culprit.
Question:
“I tried to shut off the gate valve to repair a leak, but it wouldn’t close all the way. When I forced it, the brass end broke off. I replaced it with a curb stop and PVC Pro-Span fitting. Now, I can shut off the water, but I can’t turn it back on. Can I loosen the nut and use vise grips on what’s left of the stem, or will water shoot out under pressure?”
Answer:
No, do not loosen that nut while the system is pressurized. Doing so could cause the stem to blow out, releasing high-pressure water that could flood the area or injure you. The pressure from an 80–100 psi line can be dangerous.
Here’s what you should do instead:
- Shut off the water at the main supply if possible.
- Use a proper curb stop key designed for your valve model.
- If no main shutoff exists, call your utility company or a licensed plumber for assistance.
- Never attempt to repair or remove parts on a live high-pressure line.
If your gate valve is older or stuck, it’s often best to replace it with a ball or curb stop valve for reliability. Over time, brass and galvanized parts corrode and seize, making them difficult to operate safely.
For more detailed repair guidance, see Home Depot’s guide to fixing leaks or consult a professional plumber if pressure isolation is impossible.
Working with older plumbing systems in mobile home parks can be tricky. Always plan for pressure control before touching fittings or valves. Safety first — leaks can be fixed, but injuries are harder to undo.
I’m Chris Mayer, writing for Plumbing 101.